The CEO of Egyptair has confirmed that the airline is looking to build its fleet to 125 planes by 2028, as the airline announces it will lease 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.
Yehia Zakaria also told a packed media conference room at Dubai Airshow on November 13, 2023, that the airline aims to operate to over 100 destinations by the same deadline.
Egyptair’s 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will be leased from Air Lease Corporation, as part of its existing order for new jets with the planemaker.
Air Lease Corporation confirmed that the new aircraft will be delivered from the start of 2025 and through to 2026.
The deal marks the first time that the leasing firm and Egyptair have struck an agreement with each other and the first time the airline has acquired 737-8 aircraft.
“This major deal with ALC for 18 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft demonstrates Egyptair’s commitment to fleet modernization, environment sustainability and future growth plans. The 737-8 will greatly benefit Egyptair’s operating efficiency and our passenger experience far into the future,” said Yehia Zakaria. “We are thrilled to partner with a pioneering lessor such as Air Lease Corporation on this strategic initiative to support EGYPTAIR’s fleet renewal and growth plans.”
According to ch-aviation.com, Egyptair currently has 66 active aircraft with the Boeing 737-800 dominating the fleet at 27 jets.
